We thoroughly enjoyed our one-week stay at ISTY. It's set in a neighborhood that felt safe to walk around in (though beware that there are no sidewalks in most of Chiang Mai so you have to be careful), and we really enjoyed nearby food stalls each evening as well as a full night market by the north gate. (By the way, there's vegetarian food at the far east side. And there are a couple of vegetarian eateries within walking distance, though I think only during lunch.) The rooms are basic (think shelves but not dressers) but clean and comfortable; beds are Thai style so firm. The co-working/meal area is fabulous, as is the rooftop bar; we spent a lot of time in the outdoor co-working/pool area but either wore long clothes or sprayed against mosquitoes (there were just a few, and an herbal rather than Deet spray was sufficient). The pool is gorgeous but shaded and on the cold side so we mainly looked at it haha. It was getting smoky as February went on (thank goodness for a couple fluke rainstorms that cleared the air for a few days), and there didn't seem to be much air filtration so our eyes were stinging even in our room--but I think that's true elsewhere throughout the region too.
We got the family room, which was absolutely nothing like the beautiful, modern rooms in the main hotel, which the couple we were traveling with had and enjoyed. It was quite the opposite. Our room was in a connected building with a dark, shabby, un-attended entry. Simple railroad-style rooms were separated by curtains only, so parents have to walk through kids’ room to access the bathroom. The bathroom is oddly large and institutional, all tan and tile with stalls for multiple toilets and showers, reminiscent of a dorm. At night, bright lights shine through the windows all along one side of the room, even around the curtains — glass was frosted and windows unopenable. The room’s lounge area was not remotely comfortable for hanging out in. We still had access to the pool in the main hotel, but it is very, very small. And the cafe serving the little tables near it was never open (bring-your-own situation was fine, however). Good location and staff was kind. But for the price we paid and what the website showed/misrepresented, we expected much nicer.
INCREDIBLE..... We stayed for a number of weeks just next door.. Pea is super passionate about the best experience.. she is an awesome cook... and everything she does puts 100% effort. They gave a real talent for design and architecture in the boutique hotel and the cafe... they are currently working hard to get a bakery next door renovated.. We have got to know Pea, her husband and Jeff thier son and they are really special people who take pride in what they do If your either staying at the hotel or wanting to eat thier you will get a great meal with amazing people....